Mixed Deck — All CESCO Topics Flashcards

Which of the following is a key requirement for a hazardous waste satellite accumulation area (SAA) under RCRA?

Answer: Waste containers must be located at or near the point of generation and under the control of the operator.

RCRA regulations for satellite accumulation areas (SAAs) at 40 CFR 262.15 state that containers must be at or near the point of generation where the waste initially accumulates and must be under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste. While weekly inspections and contingency plans are required for central accumulation areas, they are not specific requirements for SAAs. The accumulation limit for non-acute hazardous waste in an SAA is 55 gallons.

During a facility audit, a CESCO identifies a high-risk confined space entry procedure. After implementing engineering controls and updated work practices, a residual risk remains. According to the hierarchy of controls, what is the final layer of protection that should be considered for workers?

Answer: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered the least effective control in the hierarchy and should be used as the last line of defense after higher-level controls like elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls have been implemented to reduce the risk to the lowest possible level.

The OSHA PSM standard requires a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) to be revalidated at least every:

Answer: 5 years

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119(e)(6) requires that PHAs be updated and revalidated at least every five years after initial completion.

What is the primary purpose of a Hearing Conservation Program baseline audiogram?

Answer: To establish a reference hearing level against which future tests are compared to detect hearing loss

The baseline audiogram establishes each worker's initial hearing threshold, enabling comparison with annual audiograms to detect standard threshold shifts (STS) early.

A Small Quantity Generator (SQG) has an on-site accumulation time limit for hazardous waste of 180 days. Under what specific circumstance can this be extended to 270 days?

Answer: The waste must be transported to a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) that is over 200 miles away.

RCRA regulations at 40 CFR 262.16 allow a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) to accumulate hazardous waste on-site for up to 180 days without a permit. This time limit can be extended to 270 days if the treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF) where the waste must be sent is located more than 200 miles away.

Which of the following is an essential element of a final, high-quality environmental compliance audit report?

Answer: A clear statement of the audit scope, objectives, and the time period covered.

The audit report must provide context for the findings. A clear statement of the scope (what was audited and the criteria used), objectives (the purpose), and the timeframe reviewed is crucial for the reader to understand the boundaries and relevance of the audit's conclusions and findings.

Under PSM, how long must employers retain the five most recent compliance audit reports?

Answer: Until the next audit is completed

29 CFR 1910.119(o)(3) requires employers to retain the two most recent compliance audit reports, not a set number of years — they must be kept until replaced by newer audits.

Under OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, what is the threshold quantity of flammable liquids that triggers full PSM coverage?

Answer: 10,000 pounds

OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119) applies to flammable liquids and gases at or above 10,000 pounds threshold quantity when stored above their normal boiling point.

Which federal agency primarily enforces environmental regulations in the U.S.?

Answer: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in the United States. Established in 1970, the EPA works to protect human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Its scope includes air, water, and land pollution, as well as hazardous waste management.

What is an example of a state environmental regulation?

Answer: California Air Resources Board standards

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards are a prime example of state environmental regulations. CARB sets stringent air quality standards and implements programs to control emissions from vehicles and various industries within California, often exceeding federal requirements to address specific regional environmental challenges.

What should be included in an incident report?

Answer: Facts and corrective actions

An incident report must contain objective facts about what happened, including details like time, location, individuals involved, and a description of the event. Crucially, it should also outline the immediate and planned corrective actions to address the incident and prevent its recurrence. This factual basis is vital for effective investigation and safety improvement.

When performing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), what is the crucial first step after selecting the job to be analyzed?

Answer: Breaking the job down into a sequence of steps or tasks.

The foundational process of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) involves observing the job and breaking it down into a sequence of individual steps. Only after documenting these steps can one effectively identify the associated hazards for each part of the job.

What is the role of corrective actions?

Answer: To prevent recurrence

The primary role of corrective actions is to eliminate the root causes of an incident or non-conformity, thereby preventing its recurrence. These actions are implemented after an investigation identifies systemic issues or specific hazards. By addressing the underlying problems, corrective actions aim to improve safety processes and reduce future risks.

What is the primary goal of workplace safety management?

Answer: To prevent accidents and injuries

The primary goal of workplace safety management is to proactively prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses among employees. By implementing robust safety programs, identifying hazards, and fostering a safety-conscious culture, organizations aim to protect their workforce and ensure a healthy working environment.

The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica is 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hr TWA, established under which standard?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1053 (General Industry Silica Standard)

OSHA finalized the Respirable Crystalline Silica standard (29 CFR 1910.1053) in 2016, setting the PEL at 50 µg/m³ — half the previous limit — to reduce silicosis risk.

When a PSM-covered facility plans to permanently shut down a covered process, which PSM element is most directly applicable to managing the decommissioning safely?

Answer: Management of Change

Permanent shutdown constitutes a significant change to the process, triggering the Management of Change element to ensure hazards introduced during decommissioning are identified and controlled.

An employer is required to post the OSHA Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. For what period must this summary be displayed in a conspicuous place for employees to view?

Answer: From February 1 to April 30 of the next year.

OSHA's recordkeeping rule requires employers to post the OSHA Form 300A Summary from February 1 to April 30 of the year following the year covered by the summary. This three-month period ensures that employees have ample opportunity to review the summary of injuries and illnesses that occurred in their workplace.

A CESCO is using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model to ensure continual improvement of the company's SMS. During which phase would the CESCO conduct internal audits, monitor safety performance metrics, and investigate incidents?

Answer: Check

The 'Check' phase of the PDCA cycle is focused on monitoring and evaluation. This includes activities like conducting internal audits, measuring processes against policies and objectives, and investigating incidents to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement. The 'Plan' phase sets objectives, 'Do' implements the processes, and 'Act' takes corrective actions based on the findings from the 'Check' phase.

Under OSHA's Process Safety Management standard (29 CFR 1910.119), what threshold quantity of a flammable liquid with a flashpoint below 73°F triggers PSM requirements?

Answer: 10,000 pounds

OSHA PSM requires facilities handling 10,000 pounds or more of flammable liquids at or above their normal boiling point to comply with 29 CFR 1910.119.

Which PSM element requires employers to develop written safety and health procedures for each task involving highly hazardous chemicals and make them accessible to employees?

Answer: Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures under PSM must cover steps for each phase of operation, operating limits, safety and health considerations, and safety systems, and must be readily accessible to employees.